Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1887-01-07

capability 81 exercising that emo tion.
$sssl am not ead-and- butter school
Girl, but q sensible young lady, with
settled ideas Of life and It's resp onsi-
bilities. 4 never write poetry-never
indulge in rhapsodie over the moon;
but I understand all the details Of
housekeepi have a good education,
and can adorn both the parlor and
the kitchen. M 5s ". i. III
4 ] believe woman's sphere is home.
She is the sun OF the solar system Of
domestic life, and there her light
should shine. AS: 81 4 4: u m I.
" My tastes are thoroughly domestic.
l have long wanted to be. the ivy for
some sturdy, shattered oak. Hoping,
kind sir, that. you may be my long
sought oak, am Yours truly,
r s:... =. Il :. Pr ANNIE LAURIE.
Mabel's red lips curled as she finish
ed reading this letter aloud. n.
"Is's d mystery to me-" she said,
''that so many good qualities as this
young lady gives herself credit for
possessing were not purchased at pri-
waite sale, without waiting for a pub
lie auction. Such rare accomplish
ments should be better appreciated" "
'"That's g. fact, Mabel. I have
half % mind to be your rival, and try
my luck at winning. this extraordi-
nary maiden. She would be such val
uable addition to my curiosities. But
l forgot; we are allies, and that is bet
ter than being rivals. By the way,
are you going to the Orr's this even
ing?"
"Why, yes; I was just beginning to
dress when you came in. Now, Sir"
striking an attitude, "begone from my
presence! How dare you intrude upon
a lady when she is surrounded by the
mysteries OF her toilet!' pointing the
atricalIy to her combs, brushes and
hairpins, "What visions of enamel
and rouge, detached curls and black
lead eyebrows, will float before your
mind when you see a pretty woman!
In behalf OF my sex, must forbid
your presence here"
II don't think your sex need have
any fears from you" said Walter,
glancing with brotherly pride at the
artless face and pretty figure. "But
look your prettiest for to night; I am
going to bring to you Max Wilbur my
dear old Eaton chum, and I want you
to set your cap for him."
much obliged, but never set caps.
leave that to the Annie Laurie class.
II am ever so unfortunate as to get
married, it will not be by popping the
question either directly orindirectly."
Mrs. Orr's parlors were crowded
with guests, but Mabel Lee seemed
scarcely conscious of their presence.
One alone claimed her attention, and
though she tried to seem Indifferent,
Walter, watching at g. distance, was
pleased to see that Max Wilbur had
made an impression:
That was the beginning of an &C
quaintance which,. aided by Walters
genuine love for his sister and his
friend, grew rapidly into g warm
friendship.
Three weeks from the date of her
first letter to Annie Laurie, Mabel
had tired of the correspondence. Be-
side, she dreaded lest Max should find
it out. He seemed so high minded,
she feared he could never stoop to en-
Joy a practical joke. She had written
about half a dozen Of the silly mis-
sives, in one OF which she had made
formal offer of marriage.
II am going to write just one more"
she said to Walter, "and that will be
to end this nonsense. 1t has not al.
forded me half the fun / expected"
1.-THE sugar is at the BOTTOM"
laughed Walter. "But I think myself
that it is time we were tasting it. She
has appointed a place to meet you,
has she not?" ..
eyes. Room number twenty, Brack-
en- House. But shall decline to meet
her"
mot bit OF it. Disguise yourself
as an old lady. will go with you and
remain outside the room door, ready
for any emergency. No one will ever
know it.
After much persuasion Mabel reluct-
antly yielded; and half an hour later,
Walter bore triumphantly to the post
Office letter in which "Robin Adair"
stated that he would call upon can
lie Lanrie" at the appointed place,
On the following evening at 8 o'clock.
Robin Adair certainly cut queer
figure when ready for the interview. A
figure that would have scandalized his
ythical namesake. An immense
poke bonnet, pair of green goggles
and a broad, white ruffie representing
cap border, disguised the pretty
girlish face. A short, scant dress, q
pair of cotton gloves, a green cloak
and heavy shoes completed the cos
tune, while huge, blue umbrella and
q reticule suggested the name of "Jer-
usha Perkins" as more appropriate
than any other. =
Walter was III high spirits as they
walked along the street. He compli-
mented Mabel on her disguise, at the
same time giving hints for the coming
interview. / !, : H.. r.
BY the time she reach the hotel Ma
bells courage was dwindling rapidly.
But she said nothing as she walked
up the. head stairway to number
twenty. Walter whispered few
words OF reinsurance as he stepped
aside, and with a trembling hand she
knocked at the door. tss ,#. +s$$z-s
a brisk. high-keyed voice answered
Mabel entered and glanced hastily